Eustace
Eustace closed his eyes and took a deep breath before he went into the breakroom. Despite the fact he'd technically be off work for the next fifteen minutes, he knew he wasn't going to get any peace. Either one of the nurses would need his help deciphering a fellow doctor's handwriting, or he'd end up having to console one of his co-workers after they'd lost a patient. Not that he minded doing either of those things. Patient care was the most important thing to him, just like it was to most of the medical staff, though he could think of one or two that might not care as much as they should.
But no matter how much he cared, sometimes, he needed a moment to himself, and this was one of those times. The day had been non-stop. Eustace had no idea if people had made some kind of pact about getting injured today, but the Accident & Emergency department had definitely felt that way.
Voices came down the corridor, announcing that he wasn't going to be alone for much longer. He opened his eyes and headed into the breakroom.
At least he'd be able to grab his sandwich from the fridge and make himself a cup of coffee that would actually stay hot.
He breathed a sigh of relief as he entered and realised Nurse Jones was the only one in the room. He knew she preferred not talking to anyone while she was eating, which meant he'd be able to focus on his own thoughts.
He set off the coffee maker and grabbed his sandwich, settling down at one of the tables at the back of the room. He pulled out his phone and tried not to feel too disappointed about the fact Reagan hadn't messaged him. Normally she sent something while he was on the late shift, even if it was just a funny photo to make him laugh.
But tonight was different. It took him a moment to remember that she was in the fae realm at a ball. It had been hard to tell her no, but he didn't trust himself to be in such a romantic setting with her. It would end up with him claiming her as his mate, and he didn't want her to feel as if he tricked her into it.
He pulled up their message chain and typed out a quick message saying he hoped she was having a good time. It wasn't much, but he wanted her to know that he was thinking about her.
The door to the breakroom swung open, pulling him from his thoughts.
"Ah, Eustace, Nurse Roberts said I'd find you here," his boss said.
Inwardly, Eustace groaned, but he managed to put a forced smile on his face instead. "How can I help?" Had something gone wrong with one of his patients? He thought he'd had everything covered, but there was always a chance he'd missed something, no one was infallible, even if they were like him and had the advantages of being paranormal.
"We have a problem with the gala."
Eustace raised an eyebrow. "Isn't it just a case of doing it the same way we did last year?" And every other year since he'd joined the hospital.
"You'd think. But the party planner has cancelled on us and taken all of her plans and contacts with her." Fabien pushed his hand through his hair, the stress of the situation clearly getting to him.
"Can she do that?"
"I don't think it matters whether she can, it's what she's done."
"What do you need from me?" He had a bad feeling about what was coming next.
A sheepish look crossed Fabien's face and he laughed uncomfortably. "I need to find volunteers to take over the planning."
"Of the most important charity ball of the year?"
"And the children's event beforehand."
Eustace suppressed a groan. No one would want to see either of them cancelled. The children's event was one that brought a glimpse of joy to children stuck in the paediatric ward over the festive season, and the charity gala was an event that raised tens of thousands that they could allocate to the families of sick patients.
"Have you had any luck finding anyone?" he asked.
"Not yet. Do you think you could help?"
"I'm not sure I'm the best person for party planning," he admitted. "I have no experience."
"It would only be a one-time thing..."
Eustace's phone buzzed and he glanced down at it automatically to see Reagan's name pop up on the screen. His heart skipped a beat at the thought of being able to talk to her again, even if he'd never admit to that.
"What if I could find us a replacement party planner?" Eustace asked, an idea starting to form that meant he'd solve his boss' problem, and get to spend more time with Reagan. It was dangerous to be around her for too long, but for the gala, there would be plenty of others around and that would help him keep enough distance between them to be safe.
"This close to Christmas? If you could do that, then I might start thinking you have magical gifts."
Eustace chuckled, but didn't share the truth with his very human boss. Paranormals weren't supposed to reveal their existence to anyone else.
"I have a friend who might be available. I can't promise anything until I've talked to her."
"And she's a party planner?"
Eustace nodded. "And a good one. If she's available, I'm sure she'll help." He was positive that he was telling the truth about Reagan helping if she could, but his boss was right about the timing. The chances were high that she had another commitment.
"Thanks, Eustace." Fabien looked visibly relieved. "Let me know either way. I might have to cancel the gala if not."
Eustace nodded. "I'll ask her tomorrow."
"Great. I'll get all the requirements and budget information ready in case she says yes. I'll see you in a bit. Good work." He waved to Eustace and left the room.
Eustace sighed and leaned back in his chair. He unlocked his phone and clicked onto his message chain with Reagan.
It wasn't just a message she'd sent either, but a photo of her in a gorgeous dark blue ball gown. The background glittered with snow and ice. Either she was still in the fae realm, or she'd saved the photo to send to him when she got back.
<<Wish you'd been with me tonight.>>
He wished that too, especially with her looking as beautiful as she always did. He checked the room to make sure no one was paying him any attention and snapped a photo of his own, a rather fed up expression on his face.
<< Me too. Did you have a good time? >>
<< Yes! I got to see Belle and Clemmy, you wouldn't believe how much they've grown. >>
A small smile spread over his face. Considering he'd been there at the twins' birth, he probably would believe how much they had.
<< Are you free tomorrow? >>
<< I plan on sleeping until noon, it's been a late night. >> And on top of that, it seemed as if she'd stayed awake until she heard back from him.
<< How about a late lunch? I don't have to be at work until five. >> He checked the time, annoyed to discover he had very little of his break left. He grabbed his sandwich and started to eat while he waited for her reply.
<< Sounds good. Meet around three? >>
<< I'll book a table at the new Italian place. >> A good dose of garlic should keep his mind off kissing her.
<< Only if you're paying! >>
Eustace chuckled to himself, hearing the tease in her voice even through a message.
<< Lunch is on me. >> He might even be able to get his boss to pay. Technically, it was going to be a business meeting.
One he'd enjoy more than any other he'd ever been to. He sipped his coffee and finished his sandwich just as his break was ending.
<< Great. I'll see you then. Enjoy the rest of your shift! >>
<< Sleep well, Reagan, I'll see you tomorrow. >>
He sighed and slipped his phone back into his pocket. A few more hours and he'd be able to go home and rest.
And tomorrow, he'd get to spend a meal talking to Reagan.
While he wouldn't admit it to anyone, he couldn't wait.